Descriptions of the GeoTours

GeoTours Expedition – Santander and Manizales:

Geological and Cultural Exploration in Colombia

Experience the perfect blend of geological exploration and cultural immersion across Santander and Manizales. Our itinerary is designed to provide educational and adventure-filled experiences led by geology experts, offering unique insights into Colombia’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Here’s what’s included in our itinerary:

Santander – Bucaramanga, Girón, Floridablanca, Cepitá, Aratoca, San Gil, Barichara, Guane

Bucaramanga:

Visit to the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) – Engage with geology professors and attend academic talks on the regional geological formations.

Lunch at UIS Campus – Enjoy typical Santander cuisine at iconic restaurants such as Señora Bucaramanga and La Parrilla de Julián.

Girón:

Explore the colonial architecture and historic landmarks of Girón, including the Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista and Casa Museo La Mansión del Frayle.

Cepitá:

Geological observation at the “Mirador Morfoestructural”, focusing on the Bucaramanga Fault and ancient alluvial deposits.

Lunch in Cepitá, featuring traditional Santander dishes like Cabro, amidst the lush landscape of the Chicamocha Canyon.

Hiking to “Loma Colorada” – Study igneous and metamorphic rock formations along the trail, with panoramic views of the Chicamocha River.

Aratoca and San Gil:

Geological exploration of metamorphic formations along the route to San Gil.

Visit the Gallineral Park – Walk through the historic park and learn about the local flora and fauna.

Barichara and Guane:

Morning visit to the Suarez River Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the valley and historic settlements.

Walk the “Camino Real” trail to Guane, a well-preserved colonial trade route with sedimentary rock formations and fossils.

Afternoon visit to the Isaias Ardila Diaz Paleontological Museum – Discover local fossils and learn about the region’s stratigraphy.

Explore the Santa Barbara Chapel and the Salto del Mico Viewpoint, showcasing Barichara’s geological formations.

Map of Santander GeoTour

Manizales and Murillo – Volcanic and Glacial Landscapes

Manizales:

Flight to Manizales or Pereira, with recommended landing in Pereira for more stable connections.

Visit to the Volcanic Observatory in Manizales – Introduction to the Ruiz Volcanic Complex and ongoing volcanic activity monitoring.

Murillo:

Early departure to Murillo, a region known for its volcanic landscapes and glacial formations.

Observation of U-shaped glacial valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers, with discussions led by geology experts.

Exploration of pyroclastic flow deposits from the Ruiz Volcano, analyzing the impact of explosive volcanic events on local terrain.

Visit to the Lahar Deposits from the 1985 Armero Tragedy, understanding the geological and socio-political implications of one of Colombia’s most catastrophic natural disasters.

Líbano and Armero:

Geological walk through the Lagunillas Canyon, analyzing lahar dynamics and erosion patterns.

Visit to the Armero Ruins, where the tragic aftermath of the 1985 eruption is discussed, focusing on human and geological impacts.

Manizales Tour Map

See the Detailed Itinerary Here

Santander Itinerary

Manizales Itinerary​